Media Statements

Premier & Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Doctor Advises Immediate Retirement Of Ray Hollis

Premier Peter Beattie announced today (Thursday) that he had received notification from Ray Hollis, the Speaker and MP for Redcliffe, of his decision to resign on the advice of his doctor.

"I am sorry to lose Ray and encouraged him to remain as Speaker and MP for Redcliffe but it is clear from his medical advice that he has no choice but to retire immediately for what his doctor calls 'significant health problems'," said Mr Beattie.

"I want to thank him for his hard work as the Member for Redcliffe since 1989 and as Speaker since 1998.

"I wish him a full recovery from his health problems and hope that he and his family enjoy his retirement.

"I will be calling a special Caucus at noon on Wednesday to select the Government's choice as candidate for Speaker.

"I will announce the date of the by-election in the near future.

"It is obvious to all Queenslanders that this will be an extremely difficult by-election for us to win, not only because all incumbent governments suffer swings against them but also because of the revelations of the Bundaberg Hospital Inquiry and the Forster Review of Health Systems."